Louisiana Menhaden Vote Fails!

Louisiana Commission Votes to Shrink Menhaden Buffer Zone – Expanded Protection Proposal Fails

What Happened

On Nov. 6, 2025, the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission (LWFC) voted 4–3 to approve a notice of intent that would reduce the buffer zone for industrial menhaden (“pogy”) vessels along most of Louisiana’s coastline. The existing ½-mile restriction — created after several major fish-kill events in 2022–23 — would be cut to ¼ mile from shore across large sections of the coast, with limited expansions in a few protected areas.

The vote also effectively blocked efforts to expand the buffer to a full mile, a change supported by anglers, charter captains, and conservation groups. Earlier in 2024, the Commission had signaled interest in expanding protections to one mile, but the Landry administration negotiated a compromise at ½ mile. The November vote reverses even that compromise.

Why It Matters

Menhaden are a crucial forage species for redfish, speckled trout, and other gamefish. Industrial purse-seine boats can unintentionally kill large numbers of bycatch species and have historically caused dead fish to wash up on beaches.

Conservation groups argued the ½-mile buffer reduced bycatch and decreased fish-kill spills. They warn that returning menhaden harvesters to ¼-mile waters could undermine recent progress and further stress redfish and trout stocks.

Commercial operators countered that the ½-mile rule reduced harvests by 20–25% and threatened jobs in Plaquemines and Vermilion Parish. They pushed for the reduction and told the Commission that new gear and practices will minimize bycatch.

LWFC staff noted the new map technically increases total protected area by about 4.32% due to new restricted zones around the Chandeleur Islands and Isle Dernières — even though the shoreline buffer is shrinking.

Key Points From the Vote

• Vote outcome: 4–3 to reduce the buffer from ½ mile → ¼ mile.
• Opposition: Hundreds of anglers packed the meeting urging a 1-mile buffer.
• Industry influence: Proposal came from concerns raised by Westbank Fishing and Daybrook Fisheries.
• Process: The ruling begins a public comment period through Jan. 23, 2026.
• Legislative oversight: The Louisiana Legislature can still review and potentially block the rule.

What’s Next

This vote begins the formal rule-making process. The ½-mile buffer technically remains in place until the new rule is finalized. The proposal will undergo public comment and may be reviewed by the state legislature.

For now, Louisiana remains the only Gulf state that allows industrial menhaden harvesters to fish so close to the beach. Anglers and conservation groups say they will continue pushing for a larger buffer to protect redfish and other key species.

Prepared by OutFishEm Fishing Reports & News — Updated Nov. 2025